There appears to be mutual interest between Brian McCann
and the Boston Red Sox.

Ben WhiteheadContributing Writer

File this one in the DUH! folder, but Brian McCann is interested in coming to Boston.

The Red Sox made it abundantly clear that they'd like to explore the free agent market when they declined to give Jarrod Saltalamacchia a qualifying offer. That leaves veteran David Ross and career Minor Leaguer Ryan Lavarnway as the two catchers on the Red Sox 40-man roster. Boston's plans are to find a full-time catcher and use Ross as the backup for the majority of the 2014 season. Organizationally, that sets up Lavarnway to be a trade piece this offseason.

McCann is one of those free agents, along with Carlos Ruiz, who the Red Sox are pursuing. McCann's agent, B.B. Abbott of Jet Sports Management, told the Boston Herald this:

"Certainly Boston is a city that Brian likes, and he has always respected the organization and the front office. Obviously, the coaching staff and clubhouse unity is attractive. He has also always been fascinated with the fan base, their support of the Red Sox and the history of the organization. Boston would certainly be a place that would be a consideration for Brian."

McCann is one of the better defensive catchers from a skill-set and the way he handles pitching staffs. His bat would more than likely be an upgrade over Saltalamacchia, although his transition from one team to another, learning the pitchers and moving from the NL to the AL may put him a step back in the offensive department.

The Braves gave McCann a qualifying offer, meaning Boston would lose a top draft pick if it signs him. That pick may be lost, but what the Red Sox would gain in long-term stability at the catching position and in return for Lavarnway may make the sacrifice worthwhile. Plus, the Red Sox would receive a draft pick should one of Jacoby Ellsbury, Stephen Drew or Mike Napoli sign elsewhere.

The guess here is the two sides get a deal done. As a hot commodity, McCann won't stay on the market long, so a deal could get done as early as prior to the Winter Meetings (Dec. 9-12).

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